Part 1 of our Big trip downunder

Day 1 to 5 - flying from Manchester via Dubai to Brisbane with Emirates in economy was something I wasn't looking forward to with it being such a long journey, but it actually wasn't bad at all, we watched some films & TV and managed to have a few hour's sleep before we arrived in Brisbane.

We headed from the airport to Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast where we had 5 nights at the Aegean Apartments, just a 2 min walk from the beach and wonderful views of the sea from our balcony on the 18th floor. Surfers is a modern resort with lots of bars, shops and restaurants plenty to keep you going. Jet lag did kick in on the afternoon but shopping at the Pacific Fair mall helped a little!

We had a beach BBQ on day 2 with lots of old rugby friends from back home on Miami Beach (close to surfers). They have BBQ stations dotted all along the beach front for people to use free of charge, there is gas to cook on and running hot water, very impressed.

Day 3 was a miserable rainy day so we went to Harbor Town outlet shopping mall for a few hours then when the sun came back out we headed to Versace Hotel for coffee and then had late lunch on the marina, this hotel is where I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here stars all return back to for some relaxation time after the jungle stay, very plush.

Day 4 took us to Currumbin Animal Sanctuary where I was able to tick off 2 things off my bucket list - hold a koala and stroke a kangaroo, an amazing place to visit for a few hours with the beach close by and a great surf club to have food afterwards.

Day 5 was a chill out day enjoying the sunshine in Surfers, breakfast by the sea, then a long walk along the promenade before sunbathing for a few hours, we then headed back to the sea front for the weekly beach market and ended our time in Surfers with a meal with friends.

We will be back out here again as we all loved the resort and the surrounding areas, well worth a visit.